The Art of Theft

The Lady Sherlock Series, Book 4

By: Sherry Thomas

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Charlotte Holmes, Lady Sherlock, is back solving new cases in the Victorian-set mystery series from the USA Today best-selling author of The Hollow of Fear.

As "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective," Charlotte Holmes has solved murders and found missing individuals. But she has never stolen a priceless artwork - or rather, made away with the secrets hidden behind a much-coveted canvas.

But Mrs. Watson is desperate to help her old friend recover those secrets and Charlotte finds herself involved in a fever-paced scheme to infiltrate a glamorous Yuletide ball where the painting is one handshake away from being sold and the secrets a bare breath from exposure.

Her dear friend Lord Ingram, her sister Livia, Livia's admirer Stephen Marbleton - everyone pitches in to help and everyone has a grand time. But nothing about this adventure is what it seems and disaster is biding time on the grounds of a glittering French chateau, waiting only for Charlotte to make a single mistake...

©2019 Sherry Thomas (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“These books, which recast Sherlock Holmes as Charlotte Holmes, are perfect for those who adore layered stories. Unignorable questions of gender, expectation and privilege lurk beneath complex mysteries and a slowly scorching romance.” (The Washington Post)

“Fast-paced storytelling and witty prose add further appeal for those who like their historical mysteries playful." (Publishers Weekly)

“Thoughtful yet brief remarks critique patriarchy, heteronormativity, and colonialism, fitting organically into an absorbing whodunwhat arc. An exciting addition to the mystery series; Holmes meets Oceans 11 meets A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Brilliant

The plot thickens for Lord Ingram and Ms. Holmes. I can't wait to see what happens next.

excellent but.

spoilers ahead
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Oh Ash and Charlotte come on already!!!

Such fun, did not disappoint.

This was a great installment in the Lady Sherlock Series. So much adventure to the very end. Can’t wait for the next.

Who do I thank first?

Of course, it must be said kudos go once again to Sherry Thomas for creating this engaging series with characters so colorfully drawn I almost expect to be able to bump into anyone of then the next time I wander London streets.
Kate Reading your talent as you perform audio books has to leave other actors running back to their coaches, hoping one day to be able to move as seamlessly from character to character as you do.

Great story line and excellent performance

As a fan of ACD's Sherlock Holmes stories I was initially skeptical of the premise of these books but I have been pleasantly surprised to be proved wrong. Very shortly into the first book I found a highly likeable and intriguing character in Ms. Holmes. In the subsequent books there has been time to develop that character (and others) further which, in turn, has led to plotlines that are both complex but logical. With these books getting from Point A to Point B often takes many unexpected turns but it makes sense when you arrive. Well done. I am really looking forward to seeing where Ms. Thomas takes us next.
As for Ms. Reading's performances... brilliant.

Convoluted

If you’re looking for twists and turn, this has more than one might expect. Overall, it was quite good, but there’s so much going on that I had to go back and re-listen to previous pages.
Kate Reading does a good job, especially with the women, but sometimes it’s hard to tell one man from another.

A must read but don't miss the whole series!

A must read! I would highly recommend starting from the first book- it's well worth the read!!!

Another wonderful listen in the Charlotte Holmes series.

Another wonderful listen in the Charlotte Holmes series.
I have thoroughly enjoyed these books, and “Art of Theft,” while not as engaging as her first and second in the series, was far from a disappointment.
Thank-you, for the lovely “read.”

Always enjoy a good Sherlock Holmes mystery!

This is the 4th book in the series that I have listened to. The narrator is excellent! The plot moved along at a good pace; the only thing I can think to complain about was a few of Ms. Holmes' deductions or guesses that weren't supported well by the clues presented along the way. However, I am not nearly as asute as Ms. Holmes so they could have just been above my level of reasoning.

Already re-read it twice...

I don't give a lot of books 5 stars. Heck, I don't even rate that many books on Audible. I've read this book three times already (in the span of about 2 months), and it's still fresh and enjoyable.

The necessary but laborious introduction to characters was completed in the earlier books. This allows this book to soar into a first rate heist / caper adventure with characters already known and loved. It's funnier and more enjoyable as a result.

It might not be as Sherlockian, but because of that it makes it much more re-readable. Kate Reading's narration is a joy. It's an Audible version of a favorite sweatshirt you throw on when you need a little inner boost or extra warmth or the feeling of added security (ironic from a heist book?).